Hiram Moreno
It’s been quite some time since Mookie Betts moved from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States, in a remarkable trade that sent the outfielder from the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, being well established in the franchise, Betts took some of his time to clarify what happened with his trade situation.
It’s worth remembering that Mookie Betts turned down a $300 million offer for a contract extension with the Red Sox because the player wanted a $400 million-plus deal. He would not receive it in the end, as he later agreed to sign a 12-year, 365 million contract with the Dodgers.
They had things to take care of. They were in a situation where they had to do what was best for them. You can’t be mad at someone for having to do what’s best for them, when you have to do what’s best for you.
There is definitely no hate there. Chaim Bloom did a good job of talking, being direct and honest and making the whole process quite smooth. It sucks, but it’s part of it.
Mookie Betts to WEEI’s Rob Bradford
Mookie Betts also took the time to discuss the disagreements regarding his financial claims, mentioning the following.
There was an offer on the table, and we turned it down, and we’re sorry. I wanted to get what I felt like I was worth. Just like anyone living, they want to get what they’re worth. That was practically what happened. The numbers didn’t match, which is normal. It’s all normal stuff.
We just had to go our separate ways. Like anything, there was a lot of talk that I didn’t want to stay and this and that. That is false. It’s just business. It is what it is. There isn’t much you can do about it.
The Dodgers will be grateful for Mookie Betts’ decision
The Dodgers were undoubtedly the ones that cheered the lack of agreement between Betts and the Red Sox, since they acquired the player, who had an immediate impact on the club, being a fundamental part of the team that won the MLB World Series and ended a 32-year drought.
Mookie Betts’ performance with his new team has left nothing to be desired, with the player maintaining the same level that saw him become a superstar in Boston and win the MVP award in 2018. The team will expect him to continue to do so to make good on the big contract they signed with him.
